PARACHUTE DROPS

Saint Côme du Mont road. Highlights of the Normandy celebrations, the parachute drops, either from vintage aircrafts or heavy transport planes, attract large audiences on the Carentan and Sainte Mère drop zones. They are truely a symbol of the fighting in the american sector of the invasion.

The US Army traditionally jumps over the La Fière bridge, in the 82nd Airborne sector, and Carentan, thanks to the Round canopy parachuting Team, enjoys commemorative jumps from vintage C-47.  Every year, historic aircrafts, the « work horse » of the US Air Force, drop reenactors in vintage uniforms, under round canopy, over the Carentan drop zone. the jumps are described over loud speakers both in french and english, and the fans can crowd the road between saint Côme du Mont and Carentan, nick named Purple heart lane.

CARENTAN LIBERTY MARCH

« Walk where they fought! » ; such is the motto of the commemorative march organized  by Carentan based reenactment Group « Carentan Liberty Group ». The courses of the march intend to allow the 250 reenactors from more than 12 countries to revisit or discover the detail of the battle of Carentan. The course of the march is regularly commented and animated by very lively scenes depicting a specific fight or anecdote. Civilian as well as military actions are hence reenacted. The reenactors are especially selected on a strict requirements for authenticity.

The reenactors enter Carentan and parade to the Place de la république among cheering crowd. A joyful moment attended by large crowd as well as veterans. 1940s music and dances will entertain the audience as the walkers advance towards the place de la république. The day ends with a great 1940s dance at the haut dick dance hall.

Celebrating the 101st Airborne at Cole’s Monument and on Purple Heart Lane ; the incredible exploits of the 502nd PIR paratroopers along Purple Heart Lane are celebrated at the Cole Monument, at the very place where the June 11th Baionnet charge took place. The former Highway RN 13 between Carentan and Saint Côme du Mont is now officially called Purple Heart Lane.

Liberty dance

The Carentan Liberty Group, organizer of the fame Carentan Liberty March, is also in charge every year of the Liberty dance. A magical moment when men and women, civilians and military alike dressed in period suits and uniforms, dance to the live music straight from the forties.

VEHICULES PARADE

A huge parade including 200 vehicles, Jeeps, half tracks, trucks and even trucks depart from the camp and parade downtown.

VETERANS

The US Army numbered 16 112 566 soldiers by the end of the war. 291 557 died in combat and 113 842 died in service. 670 846 soldats were wounded in action. In 2017, The Department of Veteran affairs estimated 558 000 veterans were still alive. It has been estimated that in 2016, 362 American veterans died EVERY day. The greatest number of veterans resided in Florida (54 000) and the smallest number in Alaska (347).

The Association « Retour des vétérans en Normandie » was created in april 2012 by Valérie Cardin, of Portail, Normandy. It is dedicated to supporting the retiré of US veterans in France. Over 30 of these old warriors have been able to return since 2012. The association organises the trip back for veterans and relatives, paying for transportations, housing and board. Veterans are welcome as guest of honor to all the ceremonies and celebrations.

BATTLEFIELD TOUR

Every year in june, the US Army, Air Force, marines and Navy men, puts together a « Normandy Task Force » in support of all and every celebrations organized by towns and Cities in Normandy.Some 450 men and women of the US Armed Forces take part in our ceremonies, in parades, color Guards, bands as transport planes drop paratroopers and fly over our main events. Close to one thousand US servicemen will this year support the 75th anniversary celebrations.

The City of Carentan wishes to thank these young men and women by dedicating a full day of sharing and understanding the importance of D day and how Carentan was freed from Nazi forces, tanks to the sacrifices of other young Americans. For the past 6 years, Carentan invites a significant amount of soldiers to walk the battlefield, and to discover the many sacred places where US paratroopers met glory and fame 75 years ago.